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Manifest Destiny #7-12
Manifest Destiny, Vol. 2: Amphibia & Insecta
Lewis, Clark and the surviving members of their expedition continue westward across America, only to learn there is nowhere to run on a river.
Collects MANIFEST DESTINY #7-12.
Collects MANIFEST DESTINY #7-12.
128 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2014
12 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Chris Dingess
72 books35 followersChris Dingess is the writer and creator of Manifest Destiny published by the Skybound imprint of Image Comics. He also served as Executive Producer and writer for ABC's Agent Carter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 6, 2019
In the immortal words of the celebrated thespian, Keanu Reeves . . .
"Woah"
This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mix of historical fiction and sci-fi horror. It is suspenseful. It is funny. It is gruesome. A little part of me really wishes the exploration of the American West was just like this.
I'm still loving the art. For the most part, the panels have a bit of a sepia aura to add to the historical feel - as if pulled straight from the journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition. But, then, every few pages there is a full page image with intense colors and dramatic presentation highlighting one of the key horrors being encountered. Great stuff!
This title is just great, creepy, horror-filled fun. If you are looking for a graphic novel that is a complete escape to enjoyable reading, give this one a shot.
"Woah"
This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mix of historical fiction and sci-fi horror. It is suspenseful. It is funny. It is gruesome. A little part of me really wishes the exploration of the American West was just like this.
I'm still loving the art. For the most part, the panels have a bit of a sepia aura to add to the historical feel - as if pulled straight from the journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition. But, then, every few pages there is a full page image with intense colors and dramatic presentation highlighting one of the key horrors being encountered. Great stuff!
This title is just great, creepy, horror-filled fun. If you are looking for a graphic novel that is a complete escape to enjoyable reading, give this one a shot.
January 3, 2015
Lewis and Clark continue their treacherous mission through the uncharted new world after the events of the first book tell them there’s more than just native Americans out there waiting for them. As well as their crew, made up of soldiers and criminals, they’re joined by the French survivors of the La Charette settlement and Sacagawea, an Indian warrior and guide. As they sail downriver, their craft gets snagged on an underwater arch and they’re stranded, surrounded by a giant man-eating frog and deadly giant mosquitoes!
The second Manifest Destiny volume is a decent read but I felt it wasn’t as good as the first. The first book had a fast-moving plot where Lewis and Clark encountered buffalotaurs and then had to fight a camp of Swamp Thing zombies; the second is stuck in one location and they fight a frog and some insects. It’s just not as thrilling or sexy.
The book is instead focused on character development, mostly on our heroes. Lewis remains on the immobilised ship while Clark is stuck on land with the monster frog lurking between them. It’s the first time we see the pair separated and gives them a chance to show that they’re not just: Lewis = science nerd, Clark = brawny beefcake.
The last issue in particular, which is a flashback episode, reveals Lewis to be a bisexual action hero (why not?) and Clark to be an alcoholic who’s traumatised by what he might have seen/done in the Indian wars. But we also learn a bit about their crew who’re a mixed bunch of dead men walking, one of whom decides rape is a valid option to try in the middle of nowhere (and pays the price).
The story itself seems like a puzzle, the kind that used to pop up in point-and-click PC games like Broken Sword or Monkey Island 3. Specifically it’s the sort where you’re stuck on a certain part. All the pieces are there, it’s just up to the player to figure out the right combination before proceeding on with the story. Like in the games, there’s actually a clever solution here, except, like in the games, it becomes maddeningly slow and boring while you stay in that one spot trying to tease it all out.
The art is definitely the best part of the book again. The giant frog (or “ranidea” as Lewis christens it) and giant mosquito designs are brilliant and there are some great splash pages like the underwater arch and the close-up of the mosquito dying in the jar. Really wonderful imagery and gorgeous colours give the pages a dazzling look throughout.
This second book is a bit like the second season of The Walking Dead show where you’re still into the characters and story but you wish they’d move on from this particular part of it. I’m interested to see where the series is headed, especially after what President Jefferson shows Lewis in that flashback, hinting at what’s ahead of them. But Manifest Destiny Volume 2 is an alright book that’s certainly not terrible but unfortunately not as good as the first.
The second Manifest Destiny volume is a decent read but I felt it wasn’t as good as the first. The first book had a fast-moving plot where Lewis and Clark encountered buffalotaurs and then had to fight a camp of Swamp Thing zombies; the second is stuck in one location and they fight a frog and some insects. It’s just not as thrilling or sexy.
The book is instead focused on character development, mostly on our heroes. Lewis remains on the immobilised ship while Clark is stuck on land with the monster frog lurking between them. It’s the first time we see the pair separated and gives them a chance to show that they’re not just: Lewis = science nerd, Clark = brawny beefcake.
The last issue in particular, which is a flashback episode, reveals Lewis to be a bisexual action hero (why not?) and Clark to be an alcoholic who’s traumatised by what he might have seen/done in the Indian wars. But we also learn a bit about their crew who’re a mixed bunch of dead men walking, one of whom decides rape is a valid option to try in the middle of nowhere (and pays the price).
The story itself seems like a puzzle, the kind that used to pop up in point-and-click PC games like Broken Sword or Monkey Island 3. Specifically it’s the sort where you’re stuck on a certain part. All the pieces are there, it’s just up to the player to figure out the right combination before proceeding on with the story. Like in the games, there’s actually a clever solution here, except, like in the games, it becomes maddeningly slow and boring while you stay in that one spot trying to tease it all out.
The art is definitely the best part of the book again. The giant frog (or “ranidea” as Lewis christens it) and giant mosquito designs are brilliant and there are some great splash pages like the underwater arch and the close-up of the mosquito dying in the jar. Really wonderful imagery and gorgeous colours give the pages a dazzling look throughout.
This second book is a bit like the second season of The Walking Dead show where you’re still into the characters and story but you wish they’d move on from this particular part of it. I’m interested to see where the series is headed, especially after what President Jefferson shows Lewis in that flashback, hinting at what’s ahead of them. But Manifest Destiny Volume 2 is an alright book that’s certainly not terrible but unfortunately not as good as the first.
November 19, 2019
One of the craziest books published by Image and it is genius. We continue the secret history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they document all the crazy Lovecraftian monsters found within the Louisiana Purchase. In this volume, the expedition's boat has gotten stuck in the river and must deal with the horrors found both underneath the waters and onshore.
August 17, 2020
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
Very interesting historic fiction tale with horror elements that work for any horror fan!
It’s a very intense story that’s not too predictable with lots of creatures, creepiness and gore.
This volume seems to have some Aliens inspired elements (but that works for me as Aliens is a film I love).
Highly recommended!
5/5
Very interesting historic fiction tale with horror elements that work for any horror fan!
It’s a very intense story that’s not too predictable with lots of creatures, creepiness and gore.
This volume seems to have some Aliens inspired elements (but that works for me as Aliens is a film I love).
Highly recommended!
5/5
July 21, 2020
Lewis and Clark continue their expedition across the Louisiana Purchase to catalog and destroy the Lovecraftian horrors that dwell there. The art is amazing and the tension and horror in the story keeps the reader engaged. However, the monsters in the second volume are not as crazy as the ones in the first volume.
February 16, 2025
Keeps all the great aspects, and situations are getting a bit more tense.
That frog was absolutely delightful.
That frog was absolutely delightful.
July 31, 2020
The art work is so detailed in this , even the faces of the characters, let alone the large panels.
June 6, 2019
Manifest Destiny continues to exceed expectations. In this outing, the Lewis & Clark expedition is beached on the river by another of the mysterious arches, then besieged by a Ford Pinto-sized Cthulhu-frog (Amphibia) and eagle-sized mosquito creatures (Insecta).
There is an unsettling rape subplot that to my surprise was handled plausibly and satisfyingly. And in a way that acknowledges the complexity of the expedition's circumstances. Among other points, it is blackly appropriate that .
We're given a flashback issue that hints at why Lewis and Clark chose to undertake such a suicidally dangerous mission. And even if I weren't already all-in on this title, there's a Sacajawea-related twist at the end that ensured I'd be back for volume 3.
There is an unsettling rape subplot that to my surprise was handled plausibly and satisfyingly. And in a way that acknowledges the complexity of the expedition's circumstances. Among other points, it is blackly appropriate that .
We're given a flashback issue that hints at why Lewis and Clark chose to undertake such a suicidally dangerous mission. And even if I weren't already all-in on this title, there's a Sacajawea-related twist at the end that ensured I'd be back for volume 3.
May 16, 2018
İkinci ciltle macera devam ediyor. Bu kez işler daha karışık. Ve canavarlar daha ölümcül... İkinci cildi ilkine nazaran daha çok sevdiğimi söylemem gerek. Envai çeşit yaratığın yanı sıra insan doğasını sorgulaması ve aslında kimsenin masum olmadığını vurgulaması bir diğer artısı oldu benim için. Devamını okumayı iple çekiyorum.
February 1, 2025
this series is fun but long and now that I get the gist of it, probably no need to continue on. it's Lewis & Clark & Sacagawea in primeval America, fighting monsters. the title of each volume tells us exactly what kinds of monsters we'll be seeing in each episode. last volume was titled "Flora & Fauna" so we had a flower that turned settlers into zombies and some kind of bloodthirsty combo of minotaur & centaur. this volume is "Amphibia & Insecta" so we have our band of mixed-motive explorers battling a giant toad and giant mosquitos. I enjoyed myself well enough: the art is colorful, the writing is fine, the pacing is great. the action is certainly graphic. and these are not stupid books; they are put together well. but I'm not 12 (other than emotionally), so I think I can end it all here? time for some new adventures.
June 10, 2017
Creative series, but be warned that it is a bit scarier than the cover suggests! The group is outnumbered in every way possible, and in this one a terrifying frog gets in their way. Looking forward to Vol. 3!
March 11, 2018
Die Lews-und-Clark-Mission setzt ihren Weg durch den unerschlossenen Westen fort. Nach den Ereignissen am Fort La Charette schwer schockiert, aber auch in gewisser Weise vorbereitet, suchen sie weiter Antworten und müssen sich neuen Monstern stellen, welche die Natur (oder sind es die mysteriösen Bögen?) ausspuckt.
Chris Dingess hat seinen Stil in der Geschichte gefunden und macht mit den Stärken des 1. Bandes weiter. Auch wenn ich die Kreaturen diesmal nicht so spannend fand, haben mir die Inszenierung und die Atmosphäre wieder sehr gut gefallen. Um die Spannung und Dynamik zu erhöhen, treten wie schon im ersten Band auch Gefahren auf, die aus den recht schwierigen Charakteren der Teilnehmer resultieren, und dabei sind es nicht nur die üblichen Verdächtigen. Obwohl sich bei der Erzählung ein episodenhaftes Muster erkennen lässt, bei dem die Entdecker (vermutlich) immer wieder verschiedenen Monster begegnen und diese überleben müssen, bleibt es durch den Ideenreichtum spannend. Chris Dingess wirft dem Leser außerdem einige Happen an Hintergrundinformationen zu und treibt die Charakterentwicklung voran. Jetzt freue ich mich schon auf erste weitergehende Erkenntnisse um diese seltsamen Wesen ...
Chris Dingess hat seinen Stil in der Geschichte gefunden und macht mit den Stärken des 1. Bandes weiter. Auch wenn ich die Kreaturen diesmal nicht so spannend fand, haben mir die Inszenierung und die Atmosphäre wieder sehr gut gefallen. Um die Spannung und Dynamik zu erhöhen, treten wie schon im ersten Band auch Gefahren auf, die aus den recht schwierigen Charakteren der Teilnehmer resultieren, und dabei sind es nicht nur die üblichen Verdächtigen. Obwohl sich bei der Erzählung ein episodenhaftes Muster erkennen lässt, bei dem die Entdecker (vermutlich) immer wieder verschiedenen Monster begegnen und diese überleben müssen, bleibt es durch den Ideenreichtum spannend. Chris Dingess wirft dem Leser außerdem einige Happen an Hintergrundinformationen zu und treibt die Charakterentwicklung voran. Jetzt freue ich mich schon auf erste weitergehende Erkenntnisse um diese seltsamen Wesen ...
February 27, 2021
A very compelling, visceral continuation of the first volume. Unique story and engaging characters! Very graphic and visceral (still, even more than the first volume). The human element was at times more grotesque than the monsters.
February 6, 2015
I bought this book immediately upon finishing the first one and I'm glad I did, as it's even better.
The story is superb and the characters are distinct individuals with their own agendas and attitudes, backstories and behaviors. Clark also becomes more well-rounded in this volume, as do the people we met near the end of the previous book, especially the women. The give-and-take between Capt. Lewis and Mrs. Boniface feels like exchanges between real people. This could easily be a novel.
The art is getting better and better. As I called out in the first collection, it is easy to follow the story and emphasis is given on side moments and secondary characters to enhance the writing. Roberts also uses misdirection wonderfully.
There is a turning point in the story where Merriwether Lewis gets his Crowning Moment of Awesome, and what a moment it is! I enjoyed it so much I actually went back and read the dialogue aloud. That's when you know you're having fun in a story.
But it never loses sight of the fact this is a horror story underneath it all. Plenty of horrible things happen during their encounters, and there's lots of body horror to go around, on top of the monster action. Very much looking forward to the next installment.
The story is superb and the characters are distinct individuals with their own agendas and attitudes, backstories and behaviors. Clark also becomes more well-rounded in this volume, as do the people we met near the end of the previous book, especially the women. The give-and-take between Capt. Lewis and Mrs. Boniface feels like exchanges between real people. This could easily be a novel.
The art is getting better and better. As I called out in the first collection, it is easy to follow the story and emphasis is given on side moments and secondary characters to enhance the writing. Roberts also uses misdirection wonderfully.
There is a turning point in the story where Merriwether Lewis gets his Crowning Moment of Awesome, and what a moment it is! I enjoyed it so much I actually went back and read the dialogue aloud. That's when you know you're having fun in a story.
But it never loses sight of the fact this is a horror story underneath it all. Plenty of horrible things happen during their encounters, and there's lots of body horror to go around, on top of the monster action. Very much looking forward to the next installment.
January 7, 2024
In the first volume, Lewis and Clark and their expedition encountered a living arch, Minotaur-type creatures who are half human/half bison and vegetation that takes over people and turns them into plant zombies. The remaining crew, plus a pregnant Sacagawea and her husband, and a few survivors of the doomed settlement La Charette uneasily continue westward on the Missouri River. When their boat gets stuck in the middle of the river, Lewis swims under it to find it attached to an underwater arch. A Cthulhu-type frog creature attacks them, plus they encounter huge mosquitoes and one other monster. We also get a flashback to President Jefferson recruiting Lewis and Clark and view the strange skull he has in his possession that led to him ordering the expedition.
This review can be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2018/06/2... (also includes Volumes 3 & 4)
This review can be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2018/06/2... (also includes Volumes 3 & 4)
March 13, 2016
Really intriguing sci-fi based on a bit of history. I really enjoyed volume 1 and volume 2 is just as entertaining. Lewis and Clark are traveling on and get stuck in the river which a giant monster frog is hunting them down. Matthew Roberts has a clean style that suits the story well. The writing is what shines as its detailed and is able to transport you to that time period. The journal entries are a nice touch that really bring the story to life.
September 6, 2020
A step down from the first volume, with a giant frog and giant mosquitoes as the villains this time around. Not as thrilling as the monsters in volume 1, but visually they are awesome creatures. Slow as this one moved, it’s still an entertaining volume and I can’t see what Lewis and Clark and the gang come upon next.
November 2, 2016
This series is so easy to read, without dragging or being dull. It isn't bogged down by like seven storylines going on at once, which I feel like happens so much with comics these days.
December 1, 2023
Okay, I'm totally sold now. Six issues of a boat stuck on a river, and it's some of the most compelling reading I've done in a while. Giant frog, giant bugs, giant problems, and yet it's still the humans that are the biggest monsters going. Typical horror trope, but no less true, and the art remains pitch perfect for the tone.
Also, surprising queer rep. Nice.
Also, surprising queer rep. Nice.
September 11, 2015
Book blurb: Lewis, Clark and the surviving members of their expedition continue westward across America, only to learn there is nowhere to run on a river. Collects Manifest Destiny Issues #7-12.
This continues to be a fun graphic novel series about the alternative history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. There are more monstrous creatures, and dangers abound both on land and on water. We know that they'll make it through, but finding out how is half the fun. The art continues to be wonderful, and the writing is better than the first volume, so that makes me happy. I want to get my hands on the alternate journal that was kept during this expedition. Wonder if it can be found in Monticello ... there are some artifacts from the trip I saw there on a visit a couple of years ago. Need to make friends with a docent I guess.
This continues to be a fun graphic novel series about the alternative history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. There are more monstrous creatures, and dangers abound both on land and on water. We know that they'll make it through, but finding out how is half the fun. The art continues to be wonderful, and the writing is better than the first volume, so that makes me happy. I want to get my hands on the alternate journal that was kept during this expedition. Wonder if it can be found in Monticello ... there are some artifacts from the trip I saw there on a visit a couple of years ago. Need to make friends with a docent I guess.
Read
April 26, 2016As I hoped, a little more nuance is creeping in to this secret history of the Lewis & Clark expedition - which I suppose one could consider part of the same subgenre as Manhattan Projects, given both of them are taking groundbreaking passages of US history and then constructing even wilder stories beneath and behind them. It's happy to move slower than a lot of Image books, which I think suits the era in which it's set, and gives the characters a bit more space to breathe: Lewis, in particular, is really starting to grab me. It's almost like I'm a sucker for bisexual pisshead half-genius dilettantes.
January 26, 2016
Graphic Novel published by Image Comics. The ragtag team of Lewis & Clark, along with Sacagawea, continue to venture on only to stumble upon new insanity and horrifying creatures. You will not look at insecticide the same way ever again. Lewis' dairy once again reveals their dire fate. The narrative also deepens here. Looking forward to where this is all going.
February 2, 2015
The fantastic and horror filled journey of Lewis and Clark continues as the survivors from warly encounters with unknown creatures and monsters in the new world continue to shock, fascinate, harm and kill members of the expeditionary team.Fascinating and compelling to follow.
April 12, 2025
96
The writing in this series is top shelf. The art in this volume seemed a little rushed on certain panels, but otherwise was fantastic. I liked this one more than volume one. It would have made the GOAT list if the art had been a little crisper throughout.
The writing in this series is top shelf. The art in this volume seemed a little rushed on certain panels, but otherwise was fantastic. I liked this one more than volume one. It would have made the GOAT list if the art had been a little crisper throughout.
June 19, 2015
More bug eyed monsters way out west!
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
September 30, 2018
Hairier and scarier. A tad more revealed about purpose and motive. Makes me wonder about the RL Meriwether Lewis. Color me intrigued and returning for the next volume.
September 3, 2024
The backstory is explored a bit more. All the fantastical creatures are fun, but now we get a glimpse into how the mission was offered to Lewis and how he was blackmailed. Finally, a character's sexual orientation is used properly in a story, not just shoehorned in. The mission itself is going well so far, but there are still many questions left unanswered.
April 24, 2017
This series keeps surprising me. The idea behind this series is fascinating and I love it! I admit that I liked the first volume more than this one, but I did like the way that the story progressed. Another story that is not for the padawans, but adults that are into science fiction and speculative fiction will thoroughly enjoy. I can't wait to see what happens next and what creatures are encountered.
May 26, 2021
Prosegue la rilettura weird e horror della storica missione esplorativa di Lewis e Clark.
Devo dire che questo secondo arco narrativo mi è piaciuto più del primo, anche se il nocciolo della questione, ossia il mistero degli archi lungo il fiume Missouri presso i quali è concentrato l'orrore, è stato appena scalfito.
3 stelle e mezza.
Devo dire che questo secondo arco narrativo mi è piaciuto più del primo, anche se il nocciolo della questione, ossia il mistero degli archi lungo il fiume Missouri presso i quali è concentrato l'orrore, è stato appena scalfito.
3 stelle e mezza.
February 20, 2016
I generally try to wait a while after reading one volume of something that I like before jumping into the next volume. If I don't, I'll end up flying through it and have to wait a while for the next volume to come. After reading this one so soon after discovering the series, I have to now wait until Feb. 2016 for the next volume to come out. I may end up having to reread both this and the first volume again to keep me sane until then.
Matthew Roberts is still the artist on this series. As with volume 1, the creatures are the highlight of the art. They are by far what I look forward to the most. The frog creature in this volume is my favorite monster in the series so far. the environments in this book look impressive. They are only second to Roberts' monster creations in terms of beauty. The people are still the weakest link in the art. It is due mostly to the style in which they are drawn. They don't look bad. They just seem plain after how great the monsters look. Sacagawea and the rest of the Native Americans look the best out of all of the humans. The art gets 5 stars.
Chris Dingess (man am I glad that's not my last name), the series creator and writer, keeps finding even more horrific things for his characters to stumble upon and even more dastardly things to happen to them. Just when the characters think they've gotten away from one situation, they move directly into another situation that is equally bad or worse. It reminds me of the old saying "out of the frying pan and into the fire". Dingess has a way of leaving you hanging at a critical point on the last page of almost every issue, ensuring that you're foaming at the bit waiting for the next issue. 5 stars for the writing.
Manifest Destiny volume 2 gets 5 stars overall. Dingess' ability to leave the audience hungry for more and the monsters that Roberts has pulled from his mind and put on paper make this a series that I can't get enough of. As long as the quality remains this high, I'll be a reader until the series ends.
Matthew Roberts is still the artist on this series. As with volume 1, the creatures are the highlight of the art. They are by far what I look forward to the most. The frog creature in this volume is my favorite monster in the series so far. the environments in this book look impressive. They are only second to Roberts' monster creations in terms of beauty. The people are still the weakest link in the art. It is due mostly to the style in which they are drawn. They don't look bad. They just seem plain after how great the monsters look. Sacagawea and the rest of the Native Americans look the best out of all of the humans. The art gets 5 stars.
Chris Dingess (man am I glad that's not my last name), the series creator and writer, keeps finding even more horrific things for his characters to stumble upon and even more dastardly things to happen to them. Just when the characters think they've gotten away from one situation, they move directly into another situation that is equally bad or worse. It reminds me of the old saying "out of the frying pan and into the fire". Dingess has a way of leaving you hanging at a critical point on the last page of almost every issue, ensuring that you're foaming at the bit waiting for the next issue. 5 stars for the writing.
Manifest Destiny volume 2 gets 5 stars overall. Dingess' ability to leave the audience hungry for more and the monsters that Roberts has pulled from his mind and put on paper make this a series that I can't get enough of. As long as the quality remains this high, I'll be a reader until the series ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews